In this guest opinion piece, Rebecca Smith MP highlights key developments in Plymstock, including a new bus link to Plympton, the fight for a banking hub after Lloyds’ closure. She also reflects on visits to Plympton Academy and Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre.
We have seen big wins for South West Devon in the past month. The Government have finally honoured their manifesto commitment to build Derriford’s new Emergency Care Unit after a hard-fought campaign.
Representations to Plymouth City Council have helped secure a new bus service to Plympton and Plymstock, linking to the new crematorium. And whilst Lloyds have dealt a blow to the Broadway in Plymstock with the closure of their branch, it may unblock the option for a new banking hub/post office, something I’ve been fighting for for years. I will be working hard in the weeks and months ahead to see each of these key projects delivered.
Putting aside these headline grabbers, I strongly believe that delivering casework wins for constituents is the most important work of an MP. On Friday March 14 I’m hosting a Plymstock surgery, providing you with the opportunity to discuss any important personal issues you have face-to-face.
I can only do this all this with the support of my dedicated team on the ground in the constituency, turning around more than 1,000 pieces of casework already! If you’d like to book a surgery or just share your concerns over email, please do get in touch at rebecca.smith.mp@parliament.uk Read on to hear about my work for our area in a bit more detail!
I have been pushing hard for a bus link between Plympton and Plymstock, with a local survey, meeting with local bus company chiefs and senior council leaders about improving connectivity between these two key communities and linking to the new crematorium.
Therefore I am so pleased that the council have listened to my representations and announced that a new bus link, which will also serve the new crematorium, will be funded from the spring.
Many people living in Plympton and Plymstock shop, visit family and access key services across both towns. This new route will make this easier.
Driving transport investment in our region is a key priority. I will continue to lobby the Government locally and nationally for our fair share.
3. Call for ‘banking hub’ in Plymstock
In January I raised the closure of Plymstock’s Post Office with a Department for Business and Trade Minister, asking what he is doing to ensure that sustainable, joint Post Office and banking services can replace closing branches.
The closure of Lloyds’ Plymstock branch, announced on January 29, removes the last cashpoint in the centre of Plymstock and makes the absence of its Post Office even more concerning.
Iam grateful for the Minister’s constructive response, offering to challenge the Post Office on its closure in Plymstock. I followed this up by speaking in a debate about Post Offices. Looking ahead, I will be launching a local campaign to push for the provision of essential in-person cash and banking services in Plymstock.
2. Visiting action-packed Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre
Last month I met with Hannah and Alan from Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre as well as Lin and Carol-Ann from Rediscover Church Plympton, hearing about all the amazing work being done in our community.
There is so much going on at the Community Centre including, baby and toddler group, Tiny Stars Rediscover Church Plympton on Tuesdays, a new antenatal group, Begin Well, Veterans Thursdays and a parenting support group. Plus, it’s available for hire too.
Congratulations are in order for Hannah and the team who have recently secured £18,000 of funding from the Community Lottery to help with expanding the work of the centre.
1. Meeting students and staff at Plympton Academy
I recently visited Plympton Academy and was met by four friendly members of Year 7 – Eloise, Luke, Erin and Samriddha. I also met Julie, Finley, Jack and Mason.
The visit started with a chance for them to tell me what it’s like being a new pupil at the school and to ask me some questions – the highlight being whether or not I had met the King!
They also shared some of the very exciting things they are all involved with including the upcoming production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which I was delighted to be able to attend, netball and learning to cook.
For the rest of the visit, new headteacher, Mr Willis, proudly showed me round the school and shared the work he has been doing since he started to place a real focus on community in and around the school.
As a member of that community, I was delighted to find out more, meet students, teachers and support staff and see their excellent facilities myself.
The school is on an improvement journey, but it felt really positive today and I’m looking forward to working with Mr Willis, his students and his team to support them over the coming years.
As ever, you can book a surgery appointment or get in touch via email:
rebecca.smith.mp@parliament.uk or call the office on 01752 335666.
Visit my website or Facebook for more information: www.rebecca-smith.org.uk and fb.com/SWDevonRebecca
